Bassetts of Hull – Our History

Bassetts of Hull was founded in Hull around the time of the Second World War by Dave Bassett. He started his scrap metal business with a simple handcart, walking mile after mile everday showing the true spirit of the era by also using his handcart to also sell roasted chestnuts and homemade pies from the very same handcart during October every year during the famous Hull Fair, which was at the time the largest travelling fair in the World. Daves’ sheer hard work and determination to succeed saw business thrive in the economic post-war slump, and before long he secured the first premises in Waterloo Street – a stones throw from the current site.

After over a decade of sustained stability and growth, Dave Bassett again outgrew his premises and before long a move to nearby Fountain Road was complete, and it was at this site that Dave cemented the presence of Bassetts of Hull. Sadly Dave Bassett passed away in 1979, with the business being passed to Daves’ sons Brian and Allen Bassett.

Bassetts of Hull traded very successfully for many years under the experienced stewardship Brian Snr and Allen, and with Daves’ grandsons Brian Jnr and Bobby joining the business in the early 1980’s, the long term future for the company was secured in family hands. Sadly Allen passed away with Brian Snr following shortly afterwards in 1998.

This significant investment was further supported in 2001 by the purchasing of a derelict building – just 300 yards away from the Fountain Rd premises that had been their base for over three decades. This building would provide the business with a solid platform for expansion during the early part of the new millenium, which was further supported in 2008 with the purchase of yet more land. And more recently, the company has taken steps into the future with major investment in its I.T. systems enhancing provision by expanding web-based services, as well as our high-tech metal analysing and handling equipment, which now gives us the power to specialise in the purchasing and recycling of high-temp and exotic alloys.

All in all, Bassetts of Hull has come a long way in the last 70 years, from those humble beginnings to the new technology led business that it is today. However one thing has remained throughout this whole time, and that is the family values, honesty and integrity that only a well established family business can bring to their community, and Bassetss of Hull is now looking to the next 70 years with great excitement.